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United States Patent |
5,611,773
|
Nash
,   et al.
|
March 18, 1997
|
Range of motion cap for range of motion orthotic
Abstract
An ankle pivot cap for the capture of a dorsiflexion detent pin and a
plantar flexion detent pin is disclosed. Each respective pin is captured
at its head with the flat pin head exposed to a resilient washer and the
pin shank protruding from a restrictive track. Each path has shank
capturing turns arrayed in a continuous "W" shaped path. Each of the shank
capturing turns corresponds to a dorsiflexion limiting aperture or a
plantar flexion limiting aperture. This correspondence allows shank
protrusion with the respective dorsiflexion detent pin and plantar flexion
detent pin held in spaced relation to the ankle pivot cap in precise
relationship for insertion to corresponding dorsiflexion limiting
apertures or plantar flexion limiting apertures on the orthotic.
Consequently, adjustment of the orthotic is limited to cap removal, pin
setting by movement to a pin capturing turn, followed by reinsertion of
the cap to the ankle pivot. An adjustment protocol results allowing either
patient or provider to rapidly set and easily adjust the disclosed range
of motion appliance.
Inventors:
|
Nash; Michael (Danville, CA);
Stafford; Gary (Hayward, CA)
|
Assignee:
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Orthopedic Technology Incorporated (Tracy, CA)
|
Appl. No.:
|
336861 |
Filed:
|
November 9, 1994 |
Current U.S. Class: |
602/16; 602/27 |
Intern'l Class: |
A61F 005/00 |
Field of Search: |
602/16,20,23,26,27
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
5052379 | Oct., 1991 | Airy et al. | 602/16.
|
5292303 | Mar., 1994 | Bastyr et al. | 602/16.
|
5409449 | Apr., 1995 | Nebolon | 602/16.
|
Primary Examiner: Dvorak; Linda C.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Townsend and Townsend and Crew
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a range of motion device for an orthotic extending across a joint of
the body between two connected relatively moving body portions, the range
of motion device including;
a hinge having first and second relatively moving hinge members;
at least one of the relatively moving hinge members including a pivot and a
series of apertures at defined locations off axis from the pivot for
receiving a range of motion pin;
the other of the relatively moving hinge members defining a surface for
bearing against the range of motion pin for restricting movement of the
hinge to a selected range of motion;
a first sleeve section for capturing the first body portion, the first
sleeve section having connection to the first relatively moving hinge
member;
a second sleeve section for capturing the second body portion, the second
sleeve section having connection to the second relatively moving hinge
member;
the improvement comprising:
a removably detachable cap for fitting over the hinge at the pivot and the
series of apertures off axis from the pivot;
a pin for restricting the range of motion of the hinge, the pin having a
head portion and a shank portion, the shank portion of the pin being of
sufficient length to enable the shank portion to penetrate a selected
aperture for restricting the range of motion of the hinge;
means for holding the pin for removal with the removably detachable cap,
said means for holding including:
a plate juxtaposed to the cap defining a groove;
the plate with the groove permitting the juxtaposition of the plate to the
cap permitting capture of the head portion of the pin with protrusion of
the shank portion of the pin from the groove; and,
defined locations on the groove for permitting registration of a pin to
corresponding defined locations off axis from the pivot for holding the
pin shank in position for penetration to one of the series of apertures to
limit the range of motion of the hinge.
2. In a range of motion device for an orthotic extending across a joint of
the body between two connected relatively moving body portions according
to claim 1 and wherein:
the groove is a W-shaped groove.
3. In a range of motion device for an orthotic extending across a joint of
the body between two connected relatively moving body portions according
to claim 2 and wherein:
the groove has turning portions overlying at least one aperture of the
series of apertures.
4. In a range of motion device for an orthotic extending across a joint of
the body between two connected relatively moving body portions according
to claim 3 and wherein:
the turning portions of the groove are labeled with range of motion
indicia.
5. In a range of motion device for an orthotic extending across a joint of
the body between two connected relatively moving body portions, the range
of motion device comprising:
a hinge having first and second relatively moving hinge members;
at least one of the relatively moving hinge members including a pivot and a
series of apertures at defined locations off axis from the pivot for
receiving a range of motion pin;
the other of the relatively moving hinge members defining a surface for
bearing against the range of motion pin for restricting movement of the
hinge to a selected range of motion;
a first sleeve section for capturing the first body portion, the first
sleeve section having connection to the first relatively moving hinge
member;
a second sleeve section for capturing the second body portion, the second
sleeve section having connection to the second relatively moving hinge
member;
a removably detachable cap for fitting over the hinge at the pivot and the
series of apertures off axis from the pivot;
a pin for restricting the range of motion of the hinge, the pin having a
head portion and a shank portion, the shank portion of the pin being of
sufficient length to enable the shank portion to penetrate a selected
aperture for restricting the range of motion of the hinge;
means for holding the pin for removal with the removably detachable cap,
said means for holding including:
a plate juxtaposed to the cap defining a groove;
the plate with the groove permitting the juxtaposition of the plate to the
cap permitting capture of the head portion of the pin with protrusion of
the shank portion of the pin from the groove; and,
defined locations on the groove for permitting registration of a pin to
corresponding defined locations off axis from the pivot for holding the
pin shank in position for penetration to one of the series of apertures to
limit the range of motion of the hinge.
6. In a range of motion device for an orthotic extending across a joint of
the body between two connected relatively moving body portions according
to claim 5 and wherein:
the groove is a W-shaped groove.
7. In a range of motion device for an orthotic extending across a joint of
the body between two connected relatively moving body portions according
to claim 6 and wherein:
the groove has turning portions overlying at least one aperture of the
series of apertures.
8. In a range of motion device for an orthotic extending across a joint of
the body between two connected relatively moving body portions according
to claim 7 and wherein:
the turning portions of the groove are labeled with range of motion indicia
.
Description
This application relates to a range of motion orthotic. Specifically, a cap
for retaining range of motion pins in position for removable attachment to
and from a range of motion orthotic at the orthotic hinge is disclosed. In
the removed position, the cap permits pin adjustment to changed range of
motion intervals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Range of motion orthotics are known. Specifically, such orthotics are
typically attached to the knee, ankle or elbow. They include a first limb
capturing portion, a second limb capturing portion, and a pivotal joint
therebetween. In the range of motion device, it is the purpose of the
pivotal joint to restrict full limb motion to part limb motion to allow
for recovery, usually from an injury, sprain, or surgery.
Prior art range of motion devices can be understood by the exemplary range
of motion device utilized with this invention. Referring to FIG. 1, foot
capturing portion F and calf capturing portion C are both shown connected
by ankle pivot P.
A series of dorsiflexion setting holes 14 and plantar flexion holes 38 are
provided. These respective holes move relative to ankle pivot P during
relative motion between foot capturing portion F and calf capturing
portion C.
Foot capturing portion F has underlying plate 28. Underlying plate 28 has
dorsiflexion surface 29 and plantar flexion surface 30.
Operation of the prior art device is easy to understand. Dorsiflexion
detent pin 32 is installed in a representative dorsiflexion limiting
aperture 34. Likewise, plantar flexion detent pin 36 is installed in a
representative plantar flexion limiting aperture 38. Dependent upon the
respective ranges of motion sought, the particular apertures in
dorsiflexion limiting aperture 34 and plantar flexion limiting aperture 38
will be chosen. For example, in the example here 20.degree. dorsiflexion
and 20.degree. plantar flexion have been chosen.
Operation of the illustrated prior art is not without complication and
inconvenience. Typically, the orthotic is adjusted that range of motion
anticipated for both comfort and therapy before installation to the foot
of the patient. This anticipated range of motion is usually not optimum
and adjustment is required.
It is known to remove such appliances entirely, place the respective
dorsiflexion detent pin 32 and plantar flexion detent pin 36 in new
respective dorsiflexion limiting aperture 34 and plantar flexion limiting
aperture 38 and repeat trial wearing of the orthotic. Alternately,
personnel installing the device to the patient pull the orthotic
pin--either by getting down on the floor or elevating the foot to which
the orthotic is installed--and adjust the respective pins 32, 36.
The present invention is directed at simplifying this procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A ankle pivot cap for the capture of a dorsiflexion detent pin and a
plantar flexion detent pin is disclosed. Each respective pin is captured
at its head with the flat pin head exposed to a resilient washer and the
pin shank protruding from a restrictive track. Each path has shank
capturing turns arrayed in a continuous "W" shaped path. Each of the shank
capturing turns corresponds to a dorsiflexion limiting aperture or a
plantar flexion limiting aperture. This correspondence allows shank
protrusion with the respective dorsiflexion detent pin and plantar flexion
detent pin held in spaced relation to the ankle pivot cap in precise
relationship for insertion to corresponding dorsiflexion limiting
apertures or plantar flexion limiting apertures on the orthotic.
Consequently, adjustment of the orthotic is limited to cap removal, pin
setting by movement to a pin capturing turn, followed by reinsertion of
the cap to the ankle pivot. An adjustment protocol results allowing either
patient or provider to rapidly set and easily adjust the disclosed range
of motion appliance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art foot and ankle orthotic with
the motion setting cap of this invention about to be installed with an
exemplary range of motion setting;
FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the pin retaining cap shown in FIG. 1
illustrating the detent pin retention of the pin head in the "W" shaped
groove of the track with the protruding detent shank;
FIG. 3 is a view of the orthotic of FIG. 1 with the cap of this invention
in place to define the readily set range of motion here required; and,
FIG. 4 is a rear elevation of the cap of this invention illustrating the
indicia utilized in locating the respective pins for limiting the range of
motion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 2, cap K is illustrated in side elevation section.
Dorsiflexion detent pin 32 and plantar flexion detent pin 36 are
illustrated captured to cap K by plate 40. Referring simultaneously to
FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the manner of such capture can be fully understood.
Plate 40 includes first dorsiflexion "W" shaped groove 44 and second
plantar flexion "W" shaped groove 48. Each of the respective "W" shaped
grooves has sufficient width to permit shank 50 to protrude outward of the
"W" shaped groove. At the same time, head 54 of the respective pins 32, 36
is of sufficient dimension that respective grooves 44, 48 will not permit
escape of the pins. For a backing providing a relatively high degree of
lubricity to the pin capture, plastic backing 58 is placed inside cap K to
facilitate movement of the respective pins 32, 36 to the respective
desired positions.
Further examination of both first dorsiflexion "W" shaped groove 44 and
second plantar flexion "W" shaped groove 48 will illustrate that the "W"
shaped grooves assist in pin location. Specifically, and taking the case
of first dorsiflexion "W" shaped groove 44, it will be observed that first
extreme pin limit 61 and second extreme pin limit 73 correspond to
+40.degree. dorsiflexion movement limiting aperture 81 and -20.degree.
dorsiflexion movement limiting aperture 93. Likewise, it will be
understood that each apex of "W" shaped groove 63, 65, 67, 69, 71
corresponds to the respective movement limiting apertures 83, 85, 87, 89,
91 for 30.degree., 20.degree., 10.degree., 0.degree., and -10.degree.
dorsiflexion Further, it will be understood that the inside of cap K is
appropriately labeled. Having understood this much--and understanding that
second plantar flexion "W" shaped groove 48 operates in a precisely
analogous manner, operation of the device is easily summarized.
Initially, the brace will be set at an anticipated desired range of motion.
Thereafter, adjustment will be effected by removing cap K and moving
respective dorsiflexion detent pin 32 and plantar flexion detent pin 36 to
new locations. Upon insertion of cap K to ankle pivot P with registration
of respective detent pins 32, 36, immediate adjustment occurs.
To assure that registration is exact, it is preferred, but not required
that cap K have lower protrusion 100 for fitting to 90.degree. lock
aperture of the illustrated range of motion orthotic. Likewise, aperture
102 fits about ankle pivot P centrally of cap K.
It will be understood that this invention can fit a wide variety of
orthotic devices. These can include knee braces, elbow braces and the
like. It is to be understood that the detachably adjustable range of
motion cap here illustrated can be utilized widely in such braces.
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